I got some fabric and it has a yucky musty odor. Does anyone know how to remove this smell? Right now I am soaking it in baking soda and warm water. I also tried lysol, salt, and detergent . Any advice? I hate to throw it away because I have plans for it.

Just washed the first fabric orange leafy print about 2 1/2 yards by hand and the smell isn't too bad, but I have a sensitive nose. The other two are fat quarters in deep purple print. They are soaking in the baking soda and warm water.

I haven't tried the bleach yet, but I do have oxiclean and that may be another avenue I will try. Please keep the advice coming. I will let you know what I do and what works to get rid of that nasty smell.

How about spraying it with Febreze or tossing it in the dryer with a Bounce or Snuggle sheet?

After drying it tonight, if the smell is still there, just air it out in the cold air tomorrow. Maybe spray on Febreze while it's out there.

I've just washed it in my regular laundry detergent in the washer. If you've tried all you've listed (I would have given up long ago), you might want to try some diluted bleach with detergent in a washing machine load as a last ditch effort before you toss it. The bleach really brightens old fabric and removes any odors. The fabric might not last 500 years because you exposed it to a bit of bleach, but it will not smell.

I add vinegar to my washer and that seems to help.

wonder if that laundry soap hunters use on their clothes would work

I washed mine several times with vinegar, bleach, etc. and couldn't get the smell out. Finally I put it outside in my screened in patio, before Christmas, and it is still there. It does smell much better but I'm afraid if I bring it in the smell with surface again.

You might try a little Murphy's Oil Soap in withyour regular detergent. It makes a big difference.
Blessings.

Murphys oil soap is great. After wash in cool water and rinse with a lot of fabric softner. If you dry it before the smell is out it will stay in there!!!!!!!!!!

When you've done all you can do - though I'd be hesitant to use much chlorine bleach on a color, put it in a bag with newspaper and leave it alone for at a day or two. That has worked with all but one leather purse.

What about an enzyme product like Nature's Miracle for removing pet odors? Nothing tops cat odors. There are several of those type cleaners on the market plus some carpet shampoos have enzymes added.